Make your own dark hot chocolate with this delicious 5 minute hot cocoa mix, then keep it yourself or turn it into the easiest holiday gift. It makes the most delicious chocolatey, creamy, warming hot chocolate.
[This recipe was originally posted in November 2016. It has been updated with new photos, cooking instructions, expert tips, FAQ, related recipes, video and ways to repurpose/use up ingredients]
How will this hot cocoa mix make your life easier?
This 3 ingredient hot cocoa mix makes a great holiday gift. It's super easy, quick, inexpensive, and you probably have all the ingredients you need to make it.
Print out simple instructions to 1-1.5 T cocoa mix into 1 cup of milk, then heat. You can also include ideas for the best hot chocolate toppings to make your hot chocolate even more delicious (like peanut butter powder or peppermint).
Make sure to also check out all the best winter seasonal recipes like this warm kale salad with pomegranate dressing, or a simple sauteed kale salad. OR these chocolate dipped oreos, homemade gingerbread mix, or gingerbread pound cake as other holiday gift ideas.
What makes this hot chocolate so good?
- Dark Chocolate bar
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Turbinado sugar
- Salt
How do I make this homemade cocoa?
Chop up a 3.5 oz dark chocolate bar. Then add to a small mason jar. Add 2 T unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp sugar, and ⅛ tsp salt to jar. Seal lid on jar.
Expert Tip: Use your favorite chocolate or chocolate chips, I prefer 70% chocolate.
Expert Tip: Make extra to gift or have more for later. Adjust the number of servings in the recipe by clicking the number of servings in the recipe card & sliding the bar until the recipe is the right size.
Store cocoa mix in well sealed jar the pantry until use.
Add 1-1 ½ tablespoons hot cocoa mix to 8 ounces (1 cup) milk of choice. Heat over stove or in microwave (in 1 minute increments) until desired temperature. Top with whipped cream or other hot chocolate toppings.
Expert Tip: Add more sugar to cocoa if desired.
Expert Tip: Choose whole milk for the creamiest hot chocolate.
Expert Tips
- Use your favorite chocolate or chocolate chips, I prefer 70% chocolate.
- Make extra to gift or have more for later. Adjust the number of servings in the recipe by clicking the number of servings in the recipe card & sliding the bar until the recipe is the right size.
- Add more sugar to cocoa if desired.
- Choose whole milk for the creamiest hot chocolate.
FAQ
How do you make the best instant hot chocolate?
The best way to make delicious instant hot chocolate is to start with great chocolate. Use your favorite chocolate bar and cocoa powder. And of course sugar too! Start with ingredients you like on their own, then you'll end up with great hot cocoa.
What is hot chocolate mix made of?
Hot chocolate mix is usually made with different types of chocolate, sugar, salt and depending on the brand, preservatives or other ingredients. Hot chocolate mix is usually mixed with hot milk or water.
What can you add to hot chocolate mix to make it better?
I wrote a whole article about making hot chocolate even better with delicious toppings. Check it out here.
How much hot chocolate equals a cup of mix?
Most hot chocolate mix recipes call for 1.5-3 tablespoons of mix per cup of milk/water. You can use more if you like it more chocolatey, or less if you like it less chocolatey.
How can I repurpose this hot cocoa mix?
- Gift it
- Add it to pancake or waffle mix for a chocolate boost.
Did you make this hot cocoa mix? Leave me a comment & rating to share how it turned out!
3 Ingredient Hot Cocoa Mix
Equipment
- Glass Jar
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 3.5 ounces Dark Chocolate bar, chopped I used 85% cocoa
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon cane sugar or sugar substitute
- ⅛ teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions
- Chop up a 3.5 oz dark chocolate bar. Then add to a small mason jar. Add 2 T unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp sugar, and ⅛ tsp salt to jar.
- Store cocoa mix in well sealed jar the pantry until use.
- Add 1-1 ½ tablespoons hot cocoa mix to 8 ounces (1 cup) milk of choice. Heat over stove or in microwave (in 1 minute increments) until desired temperature. Top with whipped cream or other hot chocolate toppings.
Video
Notes
- Use your favorite chocolate or chocolate chips, I prefer 70% chocolate.
- Make extra to gift or have more for later. Adjust the number of servings in the recipe by clicking the number of servings in the recipe card & sliding the bar until the recipe is the right size.
- Add more sugar to cocoa if desired.
- Choose whole milk for the creamiest hot chocolate.
- Top with whipped cream or other hot chocolate toppings.
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gretchen | kumquat says
this is brilliant!! i love me some truvia... i will DEFINITELY be mixing this up for myself and my kids for a hot chocolate fix without the sugar coma. (and what a great gift for the holidays!)
Rebecca says
Thanks Gretchen! it's an easy go to warm drink. Hope you enjoy it
Lauren Grant | Zestful Kitchen says
Yup, it's official. I will definitely be trying this recipe this winter. It sounds perfect!
Rebecca says
thanks! Hope you enjoy it 🙂
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
Wow that is easy! Now I want one now
Rebecca says
ya, so easy 🙂
Rachel says
Mmm, I love hot chocolate. What a great recipe!
Rebecca says
Me too! thanks so much Rachel!
Sarah says
I could snuggle up with a mug of this right now! It's so cold and I've got a craving for chocolate!
Rebecca says
oh yes, you need to warm up with this ASAP!
dixya @food, pleasure, and health says
i have been wanting to make hot chocolate and im absolutely digging this easy recipe that can be made ahead! i love love love this.
Rebecca says
yes, it's so easy & delicious! thanks Dixya
Abbey Sharp says
Homemade is ALWAYS better than store-bought. Love this recipe!
Rebecca says
isn't it though? thanks Abbey
Christina says
Yessssss it's always good to have hot cocoa mix on hand!
Rebecca says
so so true!
Emily says
WOW this sounds good!! The more chocolately, the better, in my books 🙂
Rebecca says
same here! thanks
Natalie says
My family loves hot chocolate. And homemade is the best. Can you believe I haven't done not one cup this season. Need to change that now. Thanks for reminder. 😉
Rebecca says
I haven't either, not quite cold enough where I'm at. But yes, you're welcome & I'll be joining you in hot cocoa drinking soon
Mikki says
Wow! Love the simplicity of this! And of course.. the chocolate part is the best!
Rebecca says
isn't it though?
Kalee says
This looks amazing! I love hot chocolate - especially when it gets cooler!
Rebecca says
me too! thanks
Angela @marathonsandmotivation.com says
Yum! This sounds so amazing!! Can't wait to make it for my kids...Pinned 🙂
Rebecca says
yes! it's so good! your kids would definitely love it
Sue says
There's nothing better than a great hot chocolate, and on this cold rainy morning, I can't wait to make your recipe, yum!
Rebecca says
totally agreed!
Dannii says
These would be great to put in jars and give as gifts.
Rebecca says
exactly!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
There is nothing better tasting than homemade hot cocoa. And this is insanely decadent and comforting for the cold weather.
Rebecca says
totally agree! thanks!
Jessica Formicola says
We are making this to give out as gifts this year! It's our favorite recipe and it's always delicious!
Rebecca says
awesome! thanks
Katherine says
This is awesome. Need a double batch next time so half is for gifting and half for home!
Rebecca says
great idea!
Scarlet says
I love simple, real ingredient, homemade recipes like this. Can't wait to try it!
Rebecca says
thanks! aren't simple recipes like this the best?!